As of: March 27, 2024, 12:34 p.m
By: Philipp Bräuner
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Concern about Russia's increasing influence in the Sahel has been growing in Europe since the coup in Niger last summer.
© Djibo Issifou/dpa
There is growing concern in Europe that the situation in the Sahel is worsening.
Defense Minister Pistorius continues to promote local cooperation.
Berlin – What’s next in the crisis-ridden Sahel region?
For Defense Minister Pistorius, it seems clear on this question: cooperation with states can only take place on an equal footing.
Even if you may not agree with some political leadership.
Pistorius worried about Russian influence in the Sahel
Diplomatic shifts in the region to the detriment of Europe and the international community mean taking new paths in our own relationships, even outside of larger EU and UN alliances.
“If this multilateral framework no longer exists, then Germany must also engage bilaterally and build a bridge to a time when international organizations could regain a foothold,” said Pistorius at an event organized by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
It was not until December 2023 that Defense Minister Pistorius met with the military government in Niger, here with General Salifou Mody.
Pistorius calls for the future to keep communication channels open to the sometimes undemocratic governments in the region.
© Prawos/dpa
For this reason, according to Pistorius, there should be no exclusion criteria when negotiating with political leaders of African states: “Black and white thinking doesn’t help.” The continent cannot be divided into democracies and autocracies; it ultimately depends on which government is in power best meet the needs of the population.
Especially military governments in the Sahel after a series of coups
In the Sahel region, however, these can currently primarily be military governments.
There have been repeated coups and attempted coups in the past three years, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Sudan and Niger.
In particular, the military's takeover of power in Niger in the summer of 2023 is causing problems for the Ministry of Defense and the Bundeswehr, as an important air transport base is located in the capital Niamey.
Pistorius traveled there in December to negotiate, among other things, the location.
Another danger that Western states pose in the region has also emerged from the coup in Niger.
Back then, supporters of the takeover waved Russian flags in the streets.
Pistorius makes no secret of the fact that for Germany it is not least about Russia's growing influence on the states of the Sahel region.
Pistorius calls for further cooperation despite undemocratic governments
That's why it's important not to end cooperation immediately after a coup.
This only leads to these states turning to Russia.
This, in turn, only harms Germany's own interest in continued stability and security in the Sahel.
Only those who are present can exert influence, said Pistorius: “When we are gone, we are gone.”
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Recently, many have been growing concerned about further deterioration in the sub-Saharan region.
Corrupt elites, extreme droughts caused by climate change and expanding Islamist terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda and IS form an explosive mix.
Several million internally displaced people are traveling in the Sahel zone.
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